Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have given the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to address a range of unresolved labour and welfare issues or face possible industrial action.
The ultimatum was issued by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), FCT Administration, and took effect from January 7, 2026, according to a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh.
“A Seven (7) Days Ultimatum Notice has been duly issued and served on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over unresolved and long-standing labour issues affecting our members,” the statement said.
JUAC disclosed that copies of the notice were forwarded to the FCT Minister of State, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, the Head of Service of the FCT, and the Director of Security Services to ensure urgent attention to the matter.
The union explained that the ultimatum followed what it described as management’s failure to act on its demands despite “repeated engagements, correspondences and appeals.”
Among the grievances highlighted were the non-release of approved overhead costs for six months in 2025 and the non-payment of five months’ wage award arrears owed to workers.
“Our members can no longer endure the continued denial of their legitimate entitlements,” the unions stated.
JUAC also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the promotion process within the FCT Administration, pointing to what it described as a defective promotion examination with a pass rate of just 22.5 per cent.
“The promotion examination process in the FCT has become defective and demoralising to staff,” the statement said.
Further complaints include the alleged failure of the FCTA to remit pension contributions to workers’ Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) since May 2025, as well as the non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions.
Other issues listed by the unions include alleged intimidation and harassment of staff, restrictions on phone usage by employees of the FCT Geographic Information System (AGIS), and the non-payment of enforcement officers, street sweepers and cleansers under the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and Satellite Development Services (SDS).
“There is growing intimidation of staff and worsening working conditions across the system,” the unions warned.
Health workers in the FCT were also reported to be owed 13 months’ hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance. In addition, workers generally complained about the absence of an efficient transport system and the lack of a housing scheme.
JUAC further criticised the extension of tenure for retired directors and permanent secretaries, the presence of what it described as “overstayed overseeing directors,” and the concentration of salary preparation and payment in the hands of a few individuals.
The union also accused the administration of refusing to observe financial autonomy and approved spending thresholds for permanent secretaries and heads of departments and agencies.
“The refusal to observe financial autonomy and constituted thresholds has undermined effective administration in the FCT,” JUAC said.
The statement also condemned the revocation of a garden allocated to JUAC by a former FCT minister in 2023 and the failure to restructure and upgrade the FCDA information office into a full-fledged department.
JUAC said the ultimatum was issued in line with labour laws and established industrial relations procedures, adding that all affiliate unions had been directed to begin sensitising their members.
“All affiliate unions are hereby directed to remain on high alert and prepare for further directives should there be no positive response at the expiration of the ultimatum period,” the statement warned.
The labour body urged workers to remain united and law-abiding as they pursue improved welfare and fairness.
“We urge all comrades to remain united, law-abiding and resolute as we collectively pursue fairness, justice and improved welfare for workers in the FCT Administration,” the statement concluded.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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